Littlehampton and Sidlesham picked up crucial victories in their bid to avoid relegation from division one, but Southwick and Eastbourne United sank further into trouble.

Two first-half goals by Shaheen Sadough gave a depleted Littlehampton a 2-0 victory over title-chasers Three Bridges to keep them three points clear of Southwick, who lost 2-0 to Whitehawk on Friday night, and out the relegation zone.

Manager Andy Taylor: "This is an unbelievable result and a victory against all the odds.

"We had seven players out including three under-18s playing for the county. We had to cancel the reserve game and I had the only 14 players available in the whole club with me and they did a tremendous job.

"We failed to get the game called off and it has worked in our favour."

Both goals came from close range following corners as Littlehampton played with the wind in the first period.

After the break only fine saves by Duncan Green at the feet of Russell Hardwell prevented the Marigolds extending their advantage on the counter-attack.

Sidlesham also picked up a crucial win over fellow strugglers Eastbourne United. Substitute Craig Williams pounced on wingback Jimmy Brown's parried shot in the final minute to blast the winner.

It was a heartbreaking end for Micky French's United, who lost last Saturday to a goal in the final few minutes.

Sidlesham boss Richard Towers said: "What an away team we are turning out to be."

Saltdean United picked up their eighth point of the season with a 0-0 draw at home to Arundel.

At the other end of the table, leaders Burgess Hill negotiated a 2-1 victory over Pagham without picking up any injuries ahead of their FA Vase quarter-final against Tiptree United on Saturday.

Plucky Pagham took the lead through Adie Miles on 56 minutes. But Steve Harper equalised on 68 minutes and then substitute Phil Churchill grabbed the winner.

Hillians boss Gary Croydon said: "The players' minds were definitely elsewhere and they were anxious not to get injured. However, it was another valuable three points which takes us another step towards the championship."

Second-placed Hailsham Town took the lead after just 38 seconds away to Selsey, but ended up losing 2-1.

Danny Brown gave the visitors a fabulous start after seizing on a mis-timed header by Mark Hinshelwood back to his goalkeeper.

It took Selsey until the 78th minute to draw level as Alun Morey fired home after a Hinshelwood header had been blocked.

Three minutes later player-boss Danny Hinshelwood crossed for Barry Rishman to head home the winner.

Danny said: "They are second in the league so it is a good result for us. Our form has been very indifferent recently and we needed this win to get back in the chasing pack."

Selsey gave a full debut to 16-year-old Matt Stillman who hit the bar late on.

Reigning champions Sidley also had to come back from a goal down to win 2-1 after Paul Morby had given hosts Wick the lead with a header after 32 minutes.

Owen Ball's cool finish brought Sidley level after he was faced with a one-on-one situation and Chris Scott claimed the winner after challenging for a long ball punted into the penalty area which escaped the home keeper.

Sidley joint-boss Glenn Sully said: "It was a good win in as much as it was another three points. We didn't play well."